Stories from Ankara · Turkey

The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) has announced its convention timeline. Provincial and district congress processes are scheduled to begin next Thursday. The main party convention is set to take place on March 7, 2027.

Inflation in Turkey has surpassed 30 percent, according to reports. The monthly increase showed an 8.91 percent rise on a group basis. This increase follows a period where inflation was approximately 15 percent lower. Survey participants attributed a portion of the decline to the war in the Middle East. New orders and deliveries saw a clear decrease in March. Import prices have risen for the fifth consecutive month, reaching their highest level since October 2024. Final product prices have increased for two years. Turkey's statistical institute announced March inflation data showing a monthly increase of 4.18 percent. TUIK announced that the annual inflation rate has reached 4.8 percent. The broadcast noted that this figure was previously expected to be reached sooner.

Workers, students, and civil servants gathered in Ankara to celebrate May Day. The event included a concert by the Bajar Music Group. Approximately 3,500 police officers were deployed under heavy security measures.

The Turkish Ministry of Trade has granted foreign trade capital company status to 10 additional firms. This brings the total number of companies with this designation to 103. Minister Bolat stated that the multilateral trading system requires fundamental reform. This administrative move expands the number of entities authorized to operate under this specific regulatory framework. This move follows recent efforts to reform the multilateral trading system and boost economic turnover. This action increases the total number of such companies in the country to 103.

The package also reduces the accommodation tax to 1% until the end of 2026. One specific metric has exceeded the 100 dollar level, which the source noted as a development. One quarter of visitors are reported to be foreign residents. Family and Social Services Minister Mahnur Özdemir Gökdar announced the commencement of monthly payments totaling 8.4 billion lira. This includes 3.7 billion lira specifically allocated for persons with disabilities. The announcement coincided with a message from Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan regarding Mother's Day. The aid program is part of ongoing social assistance efforts. Turkey is initiating funding programs, including 1 million lira for startups and 500,000 lira for young students. An additional 15 million lira or its equivalent is also available for startups.

MHP Vice Chairman Semih Yalçın announced that the party's 15th congress will take place on March 7, 2027. The Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) announced that its 15th congress will be held in March 2027.

A large-scale May Day meeting in Ankara resulted in 34 deaths and numerous injuries. Police detained 52 individuals in Ankara following May Day demonstrations. Security forces were deployed near Barbaros Boulevard and the bus terminal area.

A large-scale May Day meeting in Turkey resulted in 34 deaths and numerous injuries. The incident followed a provocation that led to widespread panic. The event is being described as a moment in Turkish history.

Preparations are currently underway at Anadolu Meydan in Ankara for May Day celebrations. The square, formerly known as Tandoan Meydan, is expected to serve as the central celebration hub.

President Erdoğan and Devlet Bahçeli discussed domestic and foreign policy developments. Bahçeli stated that the Speaker of the Assembly must take initiative to ensure efficient parliamentary work.